Since going from unranked to No. 8-overall in the ESPN Junior 300 in December, defensive end Eyabi Anoma has become one of the most heavily sought prospects in the country.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound, first-year football player has added offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Penn State, Florida State, Texas A&M and others since bursting onto the national scene with the offer from Nick Saban in late January having the greatest impact.

“I was thrilled,” said Anoma. “Words can’t even explain. Everyone in my phone got a call after Alabama offered me. You watch a coach that coaches that many players that go to the league, it’s impressive. When Coach Saban offered me, I was like ‘wow’ because he’s going to go down as the best coach in this era. After he offered me, I went to the weight room and lifted. I was so motivated. I will never forget that moment.”

The Under Armour All-America Game selection is planning a visit to Tuscaloosa for a closer look as well as a trip to the West Coast.

“I’ll be going to Alabama this spring,” he said. “My coach is planning it all out. I’ll probably go to Ole Miss too. I’m planning to visit UCLA and USC this spring too.”

For a player in Baltimore, Anoma sits atop the Maryland Terrapins’ 2018 wish list, and the Terps helped their cause with a commitment from Anoma’s cousin, Durell Nchami.

“I have been to Maryland on multiple occasions, and feel comfortable there,” Anoma said. “ … I like the DMV movement. I think that the DMV has some of the hardest-working players in the country. The players here are gritty and want to succeed. It’s a good environment here, and at Maryland.”

Whether Anoma stays home for college or not, will not be decided until national signing day in 2018.

“The thing about me is I’m not going to shut any schools out because of coaching changes,” he said. “My friends that have been recruited have gone through coaching changes during their recruitment, and it changed everything. I also haven’t really experienced much yet, so I don’t plan to announce until signing day.”

Anoma amassed more than 60 tackles and 24 sacks in 12 games last season.